Overview
Eleusine intermedia (Chiov.) S.M.Phillips, also known as African goosegrass or sandbur, is a tufted annual grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. The plant is native to Africa, but is now found in a variety of regions across the globe.
Appearance
African goosegrass has long, slender, and slightly flattened leaves that grow in a spiral pattern around the stem. The plant typically grows to a height of 30 to 80 cm and has an inflorescence that consists of one to four spikes that are 4 to 12 cm long. The spikes are composed of numerous spikelets, each containing around 10 to 20 florets.
Common Names
African goosegrass is commonly known by a variety of names, including sandbur, goosegrass, bermudagrass, devil's grass, and wiregrass. In some African countries, it is also known as "nyasi" or "nyapal."
Uses
African goosegrass has several medicinal uses, such as the treatment of colds, coughs, and fever. It is also commonly used as a livestock feed, as the plant is high in protein and other nutrients. In addition, some people use the plant to make traditional brooms or as a source of fiber for weaving. However, African goosegrass is also considered an invasive species in some regions and can cause problems for farmers by competing with crops or reducing grazing land.
Light Requirements
Eleusine intermedia requires full sunlight to grow properly. It cannot tolerate shade or partial shade and needs direct sunlight for at least six hours daily. Therefore, it is ideal to plant it in areas where it will receive maximum sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The suitable temperature for Eleusine intermedia growth is between 20 and 35 degrees Celsius. The plants can tolerate high temperatures, but they cannot survive in extremely low temperatures. The plant may become dormant or die when the temperature falls below 10 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
E. intermedia grows well in well-draining sandy or loamy soils rich in organic matter. The plant prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils in the pH range of 6.5-7.5. The soil must be sufficiently moist to support growth, but it should not be waterlogged as this can cause root rot. Additionally, the plant can tolerate saline and alkaline soils, but it cannot withstand acidic soils.
Cultivation of Eleusine intermedia
Eleusine intermedia, commonly known as African finger grass, is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and care for. It is a warm-season perennial that grows best in full sun with well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
Eleusine intermedia prefers regular watering throughout the growing season. The plant needs moderate moisture, especially during drought. However, overwatering can cause root rot, so it is crucial to ensure that the soil remains moist but not saturated.
Fertilization
Although African finger grass is known to be a low-maintenance plant, fertilizing it with a balanced fertilizer can help maintain its health and vigor. You can feed it with a slow-release granular fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season. If the plant shows signs of yellowing or stunted growth, you may need to add more fertilizer.
Pruning
Eleusine intermedia does not require significant pruning. However, you can trim back the plant periodically to prevent it from getting too leggy or scraggly. Regular trimming also helps to promote leaf growth and increase overall plant density. Prune back the plant by removing old and dead stems to stimulate new growth.
Propagation Methods of Eleusine intermedia
Eleusine intermedia can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The most common propagation methods are:
Seed Propagation
Using seeds is the most common way to propagate Eleusine intermedia. The seeds are small, and each plant produces a lot of them. The seeds should be collected from mature plants just before they drop. The collected seeds should be cleaned and dried properly before sowing. The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring when the temperature is warm enough for germination. The seeds can be sowed in pots or trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm location with bright light for germination. The seedlings can be transplanted outdoors after they have grown to a decent size.
Sprig Propagation
Eleusine intermedia can also be propagated through sprigs. Sprig propagation is a vegetative propagation method in which a portion of the stem with a node or two is planted into the soil. The stem should be cut from a mature and healthy plant. The cut stem should be free of any diseases or pests. The cutting should first be dipped into rooting hormone powder before planting in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm location with bright light. Within a few weeks, the cutting will develop roots and can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Division
Division involves splitting a mature plant into several smaller pieces, each with its roots and shoots. Division is an excellent way to propagate Eleusine intermedia if you already have a mature plant. It is best to do the division during the early spring season when new growth is just beginning to appear. Dig up the entire clump, shake off any excess soil, and separate the plant into smaller plants. Replant each of these smaller plants in well-draining soil. Water the plants generously for the first few weeks after planting.
Disease and Pest Management of Eleusine intermedia (Chiov.) S.M.Phillips
Eleusine intermedia, commonly known as muthithi in Kikuyu or slender finger grass, is a popular grass species in Africa, widely used for forage and erosion control. However, like all other crops, it is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases that can severely affect its growth and survival. Below is a discussion of some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Eleusine intermedia and the suggested ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fungal Diseases: Diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust are caused by fungi and can be managed by using fungicides to prevent infestation or eliminate it. Also, maintain a clean garden through regular pruning of affected leaves and disposing of them far from the garden area.
Viral Diseases: Mosaic disease, yellow spot, and streak virus disease are common viral diseases that attack Eleusine intermedia. These diseases are generally spread by infected soil, water, or through insects. Infected plants should be removed immediately to prevent further spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Caterpillars: These pests feed on the leaves and stems of Eleusine intermedia, causing severe damage to the plant. Managing caterpillar infestation requires the use of insecticides to control the population of the pests. Also, tilling the soil before planting can help reduce the population of caterpillars.
Termites: These pests feed on the roots and stems of the plant, weakening it, and hindering plant growth. One way to manage termite infestation is through regular inspection of the garden, identifying affected plants, and removing them to prevent further spread of the pest.
Aphids: These pests are sap suckers and cause deformed leaves, stunted growth, and reduce plant vigor. Aphids can be controlled through the use of sticky traps or natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewings.
Overall, the best approach to manage both diseases and pests is to maintain good garden hygiene and use of resistant varieties. Also, use of organic control methods such as crop rotation, companion planting, and use of biological control agents is recommended as it rarely pollutes the ecosystem or affects non-target organisms.
